HIV/AIDS Rapid Testing moves to Clare Valley

26.OCT.07

HIV testing has entered a new era in this country as health care officials are making sure that more people know their HIV status – an important consideration for maintaining health and reducing the spread of the virus.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Douglas Slater and his wife Dr Sherian Slater demonstrated their support of the rapid HIV/AIDS testing and counseling programme when they turned up at the Clare Valley Health Centre earlier today where testing sessions were being conducted.{{more}}

Mrs. Slater who had the test done is reminding others of the importance of knowing their HIV status. She had high praises of the rapid testing noting that knowing ones result in less than an hour takes away the anxiety which is associated with the long waiting period when done the traditional way.

Meanwhile the Acting Prime Minister in an interview with the API said by doing the test they hope more persons will be encouraged to come forward and have their status determined. Dr. Slater said HIV/AIDS is no longer a “death sentence” as it was thought to be, since there are now very effective treatments available to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines free of cost.

Communications Specialists of the National AIDS Secretariat Theresa Daniel told the Agency for Public Information that they are extremely impressed by the turn out of people from all walks of life who are coming forward to have the test done.

So far the National AIDS Secretariat Team has conducted Rapid HIV/AIDS testing and counseling in Sandy Bay, Bequia, Calliaqua and Clare Valley. They will return to the Grenadines on Monday October 29 and will conduct testing and counseling sessions until the 31st on the island of Canouan. (API)